Tag: Widnes Vikings

Deon Cross to remain a Red Devil until end of 2023

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils are delighted to announce that we have exercised the one-year extension option in Deon Cross’ contract, meaning the in-form centre/winger will remain a Red Devil until the end of the 2023 season.

Cross arrived at Salford from Widnes Vikings ahead of the 2022 season and impressed from his first day of pre-season, leading to head coach Paul Rowley highlighting him as his standout player during the off-season.

A recognised winger, Cross quickly had to adapt his game due to a number of injuries at the club that left a shortage of centres in Rowley’s squad. However, Our number 28 has not once looked out of place in what is his first season in the Betfred Super League, with consistently strong performances every week.

Deon Cross, sponsored by PND Travel, said: “I’m really pleased to get the contract extension at Salford, as I have loved every minute so far at the club. I’m really enjoying my time here, especially with the playing group, coaching staff and the fans we have got.

“The club have given me an opportunity by giving me an extension and I want to repay them with good performances and assisting the team in the goals we have set for the season and beyond.”

Head coach Paul Rowley added: “It’s great news for Salford that Deon has extended his stay with the club. He’s a great example of perseverance, dedication and commitment to following his dreams.

“He’s worked extremely hard and is looking very much a Super League player. He’s a fantastic lad to work with and the lads, the staff and myself are looking forward to being a part of his continued Super League journey.”

Director of rugby and operations, Ian Blease, commented: “From all of the recruitment over the years, Deon’s signing and his progression in such a short space of time, has personally been one of the best signings I have made at the club so far. It is great to see a player being given a chance at elite sport and succeeding and at present, Deon is grasping his chance with both hands.

“I believed in Deon from the onset and after speaking with his agent, I knew he would be a perfect fit for our club. Deon’s willingness to adapt and learn at the Red Devils has been an absolute pleasure to watch.

“We have now taken up the option on Deon for 2023, and this will now give him more time to build on his game and grow his reputation even more for our club.”

Join Deon at the The Salford Stadium on Sunday 15th May, when we see the return of Leeds Rhinos for Round 12 of the Betfred Super League. Tickets on sale HERE.

SALFORD SIGN PROP ALEX GERRARD

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils are pleased to announce the signing of Alex Gerrard on a one-year deal.

The experienced prop began his career at Widnes Vikings, where he spent eight years between 2010 and 2018, before moving to Australia to play for Queensland outfit, Mackay Cutters. Gerrard then returned to the UK in 2020 to sign for Leigh Centurions.

Speaking on signing for Salford, Gerrard said: “There’s a good squad here at Salford, I’m looking forward to working hard to get into the 17.

“I want to be consistent in my performances and contribute positively to the group.”

Gerrard knows assistant coach Kurt Haggerty well through his time at Widnes, where Kurt was a player for two seasons. Haggerty was also assistant coach and then head coach at Leigh Centurions, whilst Gerrard was a Leyther.

“I know Kurt (Haggerty) from when I started out at Widnes. It’s always nice to see familiar faces and I’m looking forward to working with Kurt again.”

Salford Red Devils assistant coach, Kurt Haggerty, said: “It’s great to be working with Alex again. His ability as a front rower and his work rate will be really beneficial to the team moving forward. It’s great to have him on board for 2022.”

Head coach Paul Rowley commented: “I’m really pleased to add Alex to the squad, he’s got lots of experience at the top level and will add much needed depth and competition to the team, which we all understand will be paramount during this season.

“One of our strengths at Salford is the team spirit and Alex will fit in very well.”

Director of rugby and operations, Ian Blease, added: “It’s great to bring Alex in with his wealth of 1st team experience and he will now add some more depth and strength to our pack for the forthcoming season.”

Join Gerrard in 2022, by purchasing a season ticket HERE.

DEON CROSS JOINS RED DEVILS

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils are delighted to announce the signing of Deon Cross on a one-year deal, with the option for a further year.

The winger arrives from Betfred Championship side, Widnes Vikings, where he won Try of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year awards in 2021.

Cross started out at Rochdale Hornets in 2018, before moving to Barrow Raiders in 2019 for one season. The 25-year-old signed for Widnes ahead of the 2020 season, stating his dream was to play in Super League one day.

Speaking on signing for Salford, Cross said: “I’m really excited about the move, Super League has been the target since i started playing rugby.

“Salford is a fantastic club who have reached new heights more than once over the last few seasons, and I hope I can help this club achieve again.”

Director of rugby and operations Ian Blease added: “It’s no wonder why Deon was voted the fans’ Player of the Year this season at Widnes. He’s a very talented winger who is still only young, so has plenty of time to develop his game even further.

“Being around the likes of Ken Sio, Joe Burgess and Rhys Williams, who are all established Super League players, can only help Deon mature and improve.”

Get behind your Red Devils next season by purchasing a season ticket HERE.

Red Devils recruitment is sponsored by Morson Group.

Ormondroyd – “My goal is to try and nail down a spot in the team every week”

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Prop Jack Ormondroyd seized on his opportunity last Saturday, capping off his great performance against Widnes Vikings in the Betfred Challenge Cup with a Man of the Match honour.

Now Ormondroyd will be knocking on head coach Richard Marshall’s door for a consistent spot in the starting line-up.

“My goal is to try and nail down a spot in the team every week,” Ormondroyd said.

“I had a meeting with Rich (Richard Marshall) and Danny (Orr) pre-season, and we set some goals and that was one of my goals. I’ve put quite a lot of work in pre-season and hopefully Rich and Danny have seen that and hopefully it will pull off.”

The number 25 made 7 appearances in his debut season in Salford last term. By his own account, Ormondroyd believes his performance against Widnes is a way to help nail down his spot in the Salford team.

There were also a lot of opportunities handed to new signings, with players such as Morgan Escare, Darcy Lussick and Matt Costello all featuring in the weekend’s win.

Ormondroyd talked about building chemistry with the newer players in the squad and the harmony within the dressing room.

“With all new teams it takes quite a bit of time to gel. I think we’ve had a long pre-season, we met up the week before Christmas, so we’ve had a lot of time now together. All the new lads are good lads.”

“That’s a big thing here at Salford, we talked about it a lot last year and this year. I’ve been good mates with everyone, having no bad eggs in the team, and that goes a really long way in making you a successful team. Everybody wants to work hard for each other and work hard for the coach as well. “

The Red Devils return to Betfred Super League action this Saturday against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan. Catalans have won all three of their opening games this season and Ormondroyd knows they are going to be a tough test.

Ormondroyd added: “It will be a tough game. They’ve got a big pack, but I think it’s a good chance for us.

“We didn’t have two great performances in our last two, so we talked about restarting our season against Widnes. It’s a step up this week.”

Image credit: Steve McCormick

Written by: Callum Williams

Marshall – “He’s a shining star for us”

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Head coach Richard Marshall was delighted with a number of individual performances from his Red Devils side in last Saturday’s comfortable victory over Widnes Vikings in the Betfred Challenge Cup.

 The dominant 68-4 victory over Widnes booked the Red Devils a place in the Quarter-Finals of the Betfred Challenge Cup, in what was Marshall’s first runout in the competition as the Salford head coach. 

 The victory was highlighted by a Man of the Match performance from Jack Ormondroyd, and Morgan Escare and Matt Costello both picking up two tries each on their debuts for Salford.

 It was a particularly great afternoon for Ormondroyd, who repeatedly broke the Widnes line and looked a constant threat, capping his Man of the Match performance with a try of his own. 

 Speaking on Salford’s number 25, Marshall said: “He’s one of those unsung heroes within our team. He had a really good, solid game for us, he looked strong in contact, but his challenge would be to do that every week.

 “He’s probably on the periphery of the first team at our club. He’s not a young man anymore, if he wants to be a Super League player, he’s going to have to play week in, week out against the best team and packs in the country. 

“He’s been good over the past couple of weeks so he’s a shining star for us.”  

 Marshall was also full of praise for Escare and Costello.

 “They’ve obviously been knocking on the door the last couple of weeks,” Marshall added.

“Both new players to our club and both took their opportunities really, really well. I thought defensively, Matt had some reads when challenged and I thought Morgan was everywhere… he’s electric. They’ll gain a lot of confidence.” 

 Despite the blowout win, Marshall still acknowledged the effort put in from Widnes, in a contest that began quite evenly matched.

Marshall said: “They had some quality in their troops. I thought their half backs had a good go and challenged us at times. But for our guys we scored some wonderful points.

“Albeit it was against a Championship side, but you’ve still got to score, make breaks, offload and from that point of view it was really encouraging.”  

Salford travel to Castleford Tigers in the Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter-Final, which will be contested over the first weekend of May.

Image credit: Steve McCormick

Written by: Callum Williams

Josh Johnson – “We want to get some silverware”

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils prop Josh Johnson believes his side are on the road to more memorable occasions this season, despite a rocky start so far.

Speaking after making his return from injury against Hull FC last Saturday, Johnson remained confident that the Red Devils were on track to compete over the course of the Betfred Super League season and that fresh faces in both the staff and the squad had brought a new energy to the team.

Johnson said: “It is quite refreshing having new people come in because it brings new ideas, new drills, just a whole different thing, a new set of eyes looking on what we are doing. So, on a personal note, it has probably helped me so I think it can only push us on even further.

“Our ambitions this year are no different, we want to get some silverware and we have come up short twice now.

“I think everyone in the squad and the new additions we have brought in, we are all heading in the same direction and I think we are going to turn it around and get to some more big occasions and get some silverware.”

On the prospect of facing Widnes Vikings in Round Three of the Betfred Challenge Cup this Saturday, Johnson is ready for what he believes is still going to be a tough test against a strong Betfred Championship side.

“Widnes are a tough opposition, like you say they are in the Championship, but that gives them that extra bit of hunger to try to turn us over, so we have got to be ready for that this weekend.

“I think they will come with a lot of hunger and aggression and I think we will need to match it and out enthuse them and our talented players in our squad will overcome them and I am confident we will get the win.”

You can purchase an Our League game day pass for Salford’s Third Round tie against Widnes Vikings HERE, at an early bird price of £4.95.

Image credit: Steve McCormick

Written by: Megan Wellens

BETFRED CHALLENGE CUP THIRD ROUND SCHEDULE CONFIRMED

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

The schedule for the Third Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup has been confirmed with Salford Red Devils hosting Widnes Vikings on Saturday 10 April, kick-off at 12:30pm. 

The tie will be contested at the The Salford Stadium and will be streamed on Our League, with tickets available here at an early bird price of £4.95, with prices rising to £10 on the day of the game.

The last time Salford faced Widnes was Round 18 of the Betfred Super League in 2018, a 26-12 victory for the Red Devils that day, and the Betfred Championship side are the first team Marshall’s men must overcome in the Cup as Salford look to return to Wembley in 2021.

Salford had a remarkable journey to the Betfred Challenge Cup Final last year, with a Golden Point victory over Catalans Dragons in the Quarter-Final before brushing aside Warrington Wolves in the Semis. Under new coaching and with a revitalised squad, the Red Devils will be aiming to go one step further than Runners Up this year.

The full Betfred Challenge Cup Third Round schedule is below:

Friday 9 April

18:00 KO –  Hull KR v Castleford Tigers – Live on Our League (£4.95 EB & £10 on the day)

19:45 KO – York City Knights v Wigan Warriors – Live on The Sportsman website, YouTube & Facebook

Saturday 10 April

12:30 KO – Salford Red Devils v Widnes Vikings – Live on Our League (£4.95 EB, £10 on the day)

14:30 KO – St Helens v Leeds Rhinos – Live on BBC One (coverage starts 2pm)

17:00 KO – Catalans Dragons v Wakefield Trinity – Live on BBC Two

19:00 KO – Featherstone Rovers v Hull FC – Live on Our League (£4.95 EB & £10 on the day)

Sunday 11 April

12:30 KO – Swinton Lions v Warrington Wolves – Live on Our League (£4.95 EB & £10 on the day)

14:30 KO – Leigh Centurions v Huddersfield Giants – Live on Our League (£4.95 EB & £10 on the day)

Adam Lawton | “That first tackle is going to be pretty special.”

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils new acquisition Adam Lawton is hungry to get back out on the field and prove himself at the The Salford Stadium.
Lawton has had some time away from professional Rugby League before joining Salford but made a huge impact when he arrived on the scene four years ago.
“I’ve definitely got a point to prove,” Lawton said.
He added: “I have to go that extra yard in comparison to last time. I was only 20 when I came onto the scene with Widnes Vikings, so now hopefully I’ve matured a little and gained a bit more experience.
“I’m hopeful I can replicate the performances that helped me break through at Widnes and I’m looking to go one better than I did back in 2014. I have to make a name for myself again.
“I know it’s going to take me a bit of time to get up to speed, there’s no doubting that. But, our Head of Strength and Conditioning, Greg Brown, is one of the best in the business and the backroom team are brilliant so I have every faith they can get me fit and ready for the 2019 season.
“That first tackle is going to pretty special.”
You can read more from Salford Red Devils’ new back-rower Adam Lawton in tomorrow’s edition of the Manchester Evening News.
 
2019 Season Tickets are still available, and you can spread the costs over eight months via our Direct Debit payment plan. For the Direct Debit breakdowns, click HERE. Sign-up by visiting the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office or calling 0161 786 1570.

Salford seal deal for Gil Dudson

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils are pleased to confirm the signing of Gil Dudson on a two-year deal.
Dudson came through the ranks at North Wales Crusaders before signing for Wigan Warriors in 2012. The powerful forward would go on to make almost 50 appearances for the Warriors including their 2013 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final triumph against Hull FC.
The 28-year-old spent three seasons with Widnes and became an integral part of the first team at the Vikings. Dudson has also earned 15 caps for the Welsh National team.
Salford Red Devils Head Coach, Ian Watson, said: “Gil is a player I’ve known for a long through the Welsh National side and is a player who always gives 100%.
“He has a good skill level but more importantly as a front-rower he has an aggression and competitive attitude to win his battles which is what we need in our middles.
“I know Gil will come in and add to the ‘team first’ mentality that we have here at Salford Red Devils.
“I can’t wait for him to get started.”
Salford Red Devils Director of Rugby and Operations, Ian Blease, said: “We’re delighted to have got another signing over the line and bring Gil here to Salford Red Devils.
“Gil has come through a strong and competitive system at Wigan Warriors and this signing is another step in the right direction for the Club.
“Gil is one of three forwards we’ve added over the last week which will only improve the competition for places throughout the upcoming season.
“Season Ticket sales and Squad Builder memberships are continuing to rise, and we need the Salford Red Devils fans to continue to buy-in as this will allow us to sign more players.”

Salford welcome Adam Lawton back to Super League

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils are delighted to announce the acquisition of towering forward Adam Lawton for the 2019 season. 
Lawton broke into the Widnes Vikings side in 2014 and crashed over for an impressive nine tries in 15 appearances in the back-row. The back-rower went on to have a short stint with Australian side Redcliffe Dolphins.
Lawton said: “I’m really excited to get back into a professional environment here at Salford and starting pre-season training this week.
“I’m also grateful to Salford, Ian Watson and Ian Blease for giving me an opportunity to showcase what I’m all about in the Betfred Super League.
“2019 is all about proving myself and getting back to the performances I displayed a few years ago.
Salford Red Devils Head Coach, Ian Watson, said: “Signing Adam is really exciting for us here at Salford Red Devils. I’m really looking forward to working with him.
“Adam burst onto the Betfred Super League scene in devastating fashion a few years ago before a small spell in Australia.
“I believe in our team environment here at Salford we will see Adam back to his best. Adam adds something different to our current squad with his size and footballing ability. He will be a big asset to our squad for the 2019 season.”
Director of Rugby and Operations, Ian Blease, said: “We’re really excited to add Adam to our playing squad for the 2019 season.
“Adam made a name for himself at Widnes a few years ago and really took the league by storm. Obviously, his size and power have been a big factor in us bringing him to the The Salford Stadium, but he is also very mobile and good with ball in hand.
“Adam has displayed a real passion and hunger to play Super League rugby again and we’re happy to give him a chance here at Salford.
“Again, I’d like to thank everyone who has purchased Season Tickets and Squad Builder memberships as without you these signings wouldn’t be possible.”
Adam Lawton will begin his pre-season training with Salford Red Devils tomorrow.

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